Method and apparatus for virtual editing of multimedia presentations

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for viewing desired portions of a multimedia presentation. Desired portions of a multimedia presentation are determined. In one embodiment, an editor may determine which portions of the presentation are desired. Aternatively, or additionally, specified criteria may be applied to the presentation to determine the desired portions. An annotation file is then created based upon the determine desired portions of the multimedia presentation. The annotation file contains pointers corresponding to the desired potions of the multimedia presentation. Annotation management software may be use the annotation file to cause a display device to display only desired portions of the presentation. The annotation file may be applied to a broadcast presentation or a recorded program file. In one embodiment the annotation file may contain information related to the desired portions of the multimedia presentation and/or the remainder of the multimedia presentation.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application is related to, and hereby claims the benefit, ofprovisional application serial 60/250,978 filed Dec. 1, 2000 and ishereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to multimedia presentations andmore specifically to methods and apparatuses for virtually editing thesame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In most multimedia presentations available today there is atleast some content that a viewer would prefer was not presented. Aviewer may wish to avoid certain portions of a presentation for manyreasons. For example, a viewer may wish to avoid portions of a moviecontaining violence or profanity. A viewer may wish to avoidpresentation of politically or religiously objectionable portions of anews broadcast, or socially objectionable portions of a music video, forexample. Or a viewer may simply wish to avoid portions of a multimediapresentation that are boring or uninteresting to the viewer. Forexample, many viewers of broadcast sporting events, such as football andbaseball games, don't have time to watch the entire event at the exacttime it is broadcast. In such cases, the viewer may wish to save time byviewing only the portions of interest in a broadcast, (i.e., actionhighlights, such as home run being hit or a football scoring drive or abrilliant defensive play).

[0004] Currently viewers have no way of separating such interestingportions of a presentation from the presentation without first viewingthe complete presentation. In the case of sporting events, viewers mayrely on sports summary shows for highlight replays, where a broadcasteredits the sports event and typically shows only a few seconds of eachaction sequence. Such edited presentation are often not sufficient tofully enjoy and appreciate the action of the event. In the case of themultimedia presentations, for example, news programs, concerts,etc.,viewers may have no way of viewing only specified portions of apresentation.

[0005] Viewers may record multimedia preentations such as sportingevents, news reports, concerts, or other programs in their entirely forpresentation at a later time. While this allows viewers to avoidunwanted portions of a presentation, the viewer must also work through,at the least fast-forwarding through, all the uninteresting portions ofthe presentation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A method and apparatus for viewing desired portions of amultimedia presentation is disclosed. Desired portions of a multimediapresentation are determined. An annotation file is then on file containspointers corresponding to the desired portions of the multimediapresentation. When the multimedia presentation is viewing, theannotation file may be used to cause a viewing device to present onlythe desired portions of the multimedia presentation.

[0007] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the accompanying drawings,and from the detaileddescription, that follows below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0008] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and notlimitation, by the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereferences indicate similar elements and in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram in accordance with one embodimentof the presentation invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a broadcast system inaccordance with one embodiment of the presentation; and

[0011]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary recorded program file and acorresponding annotation file in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] An embodiment of the method of the present invention allows aviewer of a multimedia presentation to view only desired portions of apresentation and to avoid undesired portions. In one embodiment anannotation file is created containing identification pointers thatidentify desired portion of a presentation. Annotation managementsoftware may use the identification pointers to cause a display deviceto display only desired portions of the presentation.

[0013] In the following detailed description of the present invention,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In some instances, well-known structuresand devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, inorder to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. The process 100, shown in FIG. 1, begins withoperation 105 in which a recorded program file of a presentation iscreated. A recorded program file may be created for any type ofmultimedia presentation or may be created from a live event such as abroadcast football game. A recorded program file may be created on aviewer's set-top box and stored on the set-top box hard drive.

[0015] At operation 110 desired portions of the presentation arespecified. The specification operation may be effected in any number ofways and based upon many different criterion and combinations thereof.For example, an editor may view an hours long sporting event and maypersonally determine the most interesting 15 minutes of thepresentation. Alternatively, or in addition, predetermined criteria maybe applied. For example, a routine determination that any unrelatedaspects of a sports presentation, such as intermission entertainment,are not desired may be implemented. The specification of desiredportions may be made based upon individual preferences provided by theviewer. For example, a viewer may determine that only portions of a newsprogram relating to international events are desired. Many differentparameters may be used by themselves or in combination to allow suchspecification. This may include but is not limited to cities, clubs,sports genres, closed caption, activities, score indications, audiorecognition, video recognition, text, Internet data, other interactivetelevision data, etc.

[0016] In one embodiment the specification operation for a givenpresentation may be accomplished by a person deemed knowledgeable in thearea to which the presentation pertains. For example, a sport star mayspecify the desired portions of a sports presentation.

[0017] At operation 115 an annotation file is created with pointers setcorresponding to the specified portions of the presentation. Thepointers may be implemented as pairs to indicate a desired portion ofthe presentation. The annotation file may contain additional informationsuch as a header to identify the program file or presentation to whichthe annotation file pertains.

[0018] In one embodiment, the annotation file may also containinformation about the specified portions of the presentation or theremaining portions of the presentation. For example, the annotation filemay present information indicating the time length of unspecifiedportions or a synopsis of the unspecified portions. Alternatively, or inaddition, the annotation file may present information describing aspecified portion prior to the specified portion being displayed. Forexample, if the specified portion of a baseball game includes a batterhitting a home run, the annotation file may provide the viewer with suchinformation as the batter's name, the inning, the number of outs, thescore, and the batter's previous performance (e.g., two strike outswhich may have occurred in non-specified portions of the presentation).Such information may be presented prior to, or concurrent with, thespecified portion of the presentation. In some cases, this may alsoinclude multiple parallel events, recorded at approximately the sametime.

[0019] At operation 120 the annotation file and the recorded programfile are then accessed by a display device so that only the specifiedportions of the presentation are displayed. For example, the viewer'sset-top box may contain software that controls how the recorded programfile is presented. Alternatively, the viewer may subscribe to a servicethat controls the viewer's display device in real time.

[0020] The operation of creating an annotation file and/or the operationof accessing the annotation file and the recorded program file inaccordance with the present invention may be implemented by hardwareand/or software contained within the viewer's set-top box. For example,a set-top box may include one or more processors that can execute codeor instructions stored within a machine-readable medium that may also beincluded within the set-top box.

[0021] The machine-readable medium may include a mechanism that provides(i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by amachine such as computer or digital processing device. For example, amachine-readable medium may include a read only memory (ROM), randomaccess memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media,flash memory devices. The code or instructions may be represented bycarrier-wave signals, infrared signals, digital signals, and by otherlike signals.

[0022] Annotation files may be available separately from thepresentations to which they pertain. For example, a viewer may obtain aDVD video movie and subsequently create or purchase an annotation filepertaining to the movie. An individual viewer may complete some or allof the specification operation. For example, a viewer may determine thatonly non-violent portions of the movie are desired. The viewer may thencreate an annotation file that specifies only non-violent portions ofthe movie.

[0023] An annotation file, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention, may be produced by the broadcaster of the multimediapresentation. Annotation files may be broadcast or e-mailed to theviewer in real time or after the presentation. Annotation files may becreated as an event is being broadcast. For example a sportscaster couldpush a button when he judges that the sporting event he is broadcastinghas become interesting and release the button when the interestingportion is complete. The sportscaster's actions could then be convertedinto software pointers of an annotation file. The annotation file couldbe used to affect the broadcast in real time or used by a viewersubsequently.

[0024]FIG. 2 describes in detail how an embodiment of the presentinvention may be applied to a broadcast presentation. However, as notedabove the invention is not restricted to broadcast events and may beapplied to a multimedia presentation of any format. FIG. 2 is a systemblock diagram of a broadcast system in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that theinvention is not limited to embodiments illustrated by FIG. 2. Forexample, the satellite broadcast system may be replaced with any ofvarious terrestrial broadcast systems, including but not limited tosystems such as analog or digital cable, digital subscriber line (DSL),aerial, wireless cable, fiber, local multi-channel distribution systems(LMDS), etc., all of which are well-known in the art.

[0025] The broadcast system 200, shown in FIG. 2, includes a head end201 having a satellite dish 202. Head end 201 transmits a presentationvia a signal 221 from satellite dish 202 to satellite 203. Satellite 203transmits the presentation via a signal 222 to a viewer's satellitereceiver dish 210, which is connected to a set-top box 211.

[0026] Set-top box 211 contains a hard disk 212 that the viewer may useto record the presentation as a recorded program file. The set-top box211 also contains annotation management software 214 in accordance withthe present invention.

[0027] The viewer may typically view on a television 213 a live event ora recorded event played from hard disk 212 through set-top box 211. Theset-top box 211 may also have a back-channel connection, for example,via satellite, cable network, or public switched telephone network(PSTN) 230, through telephone connection 223, typically sharing theviewer's home phone.

[0028] The back-channel connection may also be established throughconnection 225 to a server 243, which may, for example, receive the samebroadcast as the viewer via a satellite dish 240 and a set-top box 241.The broadcast presentation may be recorded on a hard disk 244 connectedto server 243. A workstation 242, connected to the server 243, may beused by an editor, not shown, to view the broadcast. The editor may thenspecify desired portions of the presentation and create an annotationfile including pointers corresponding to the desired portions of thepresentation.

[0029] The annotation file may then be downloaded from the server 243,through a back-channel connection, to Set-top box 211.

[0030] In one embodiment, the program provider or broadcaster mayoperate server 243. In such cases, a link 226 may allow a directconnection via a LAN between server 243 and head end 201. The annotationhappens in server 243 under use of workstation 242. In one embodimentthe annotation file may then be transmitted back over link 226 andbroadcast over a data broadcast facility, for example, embedded in anMPEG file. In an alternative embodiment, the annotation file may betransmitted via separate dedicated data channels, to be received byset-top box 211. For example, the annotation file may be sent via link225 and PSTN, Internet, or other transmission links to set-top box 211.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the server 243 is operatedindependently. Presentations may be received using satellite 203 andlink 224, and annotated in server 243, by workstation 242. Theannotation file may then be sent via link 225 and PSTN, Internet, orother transmission link to set-top box 211. In one embodiment, theannotation content may be sent over link 226, and broadcast over a databroadcast facility, for example, embedded in an MPEG file. In analternative embodiment the annotation file may be transmitted viaseparate dedicated data channels, to be received by set-top box 211under a separate data broadcast agreement.

[0032]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary recorded program file and acorresponding annotation file in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The recorded program file 300, shown in FIG. 3, maybe, for example, an MPEG2 file. Alternatively, recorded program file 300may be in any type of video or audio recording file format known in theart. Portions of recorded program file 300, 300 a and 300 b, indicatedesired portions of a presentation. The corresponding annotation file310, shown in FIG. 3, includes a series of pointers, 31 la through 31In, which correspond to desired portions of a presentation in programfile 300. Some of the pointers may be paired pointers, such as 311 a and311 b, that can mark a spot and scope of a segment of interest, as dosimilarly paired pointers 311 c and 311 d and other similar pairs. Asingle pointer 311 n points to a specific singularity or event, forexample, the beginning of a particular activity.

[0033] In one embodiment, annotation file 310 may include an ID header312 that allows the annotation file to identify the recorded programfile to which it pertains.

[0034] When the viewer plays the annotation file and recorded programfile, the annotation management software 214 reads the annotation fileand causes a display device to display only the desired portions of themultimedia presentation (i.e., portions 300 a and portion 300 b ofprogram file 300). Portions of program file 300 not specified as desiredare not presented. For example, the annotation management software maycause a display device to skip the unspecified portions of program file300. Therefore, the viewer may be presented only the portions determinedby the annotation file. A user interface (not shown) may also beincluded. The user interface may use dedicated or programmable buttonsto navigate. In one embodiment, the user interface may be controlled by,and or viewed on, a computer or internet appliance using standardPC-type controls. Furthermore, commands may be displayed on the screenand called upon with pointer devices or navigational keys. In analternative embodiment, the whole event is recorded and other scenes maybe viewed by using normal recorded media navigation, rather than specialkeys. The same are used within the selected scenes. This also appliesfor cases of partial recordings.

[0035] Many variations may be made without departing from the spirit ofthe invention, which allows viewers to view only desired portions of apresentation. Annotation files specifying desired portions of multimediapresentations may be offered as a subscription service separately fromthe actual programming or the annotation files may be combined with theprogramming as an enhancement of the broadcasting service.Alternatively, annotation files may be created by individual viewers orindependent producers.

[0036] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been describedwith reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will,however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be madethereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification anddrawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative senserather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: specifying at least onedesired portion of a multimedia presentation; and creating an annotationfile for the multimedia presentation, the annotation file containing atleast one pointer corresponding to the at least one desired portion ofthe multimedia presentation.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: creating a recorded program file of the multimediapresentation; playing the recorded program file on a viewing system; andaccessing the annotation file such that only the at least one desiredportion of the multimedia presentation is displayed by the viewingsystem.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein specifying at least onedesired portion of a multimedia presentation includes applying apredetermined set of criteria to the multimedia presentation.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the predetermined set of criteria are basedupon a preference of an individual viewer.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the annotation file further contains: information related to theat least one desired portion of the multimedia presentation.
 6. A methodcomprising: broadcasting an event; specifying at least one desiredportion of the event; creating an annotation file for the event, theannotation file containing at least one pointer, the at least onepointer corresponding to the at least one desired portion of the event;and transmitting the annotation file to a viewing system, the annotationfile causing the viewing system to display only the at least one desiredportion of the event.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the annotationfile is transmitted subsequent to the event.
 8. A machine-readablemedium containing instructions which, when executed by a processor,cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising: creatingan annotation file for a multimedia presentation, the annotation filecontaining at least one pointer corresponding to at least one desiredportion of the multimedia presentation; and accessing the annotationfile such that only the at least one desired portion of the multimediapresentation is displayed by a viewing system.
 9. The machine-readablemedium of claim 8, wherein the multimedia is stored as a recordedprogram file.
 10. The machine-readable medium of claim 8, whereinspecifying at least one desired portion of a multimedia presentationincludes applying a predetermined set of criteria to the multimediapresentation.
 11. The machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein thepredetermined set of criteria are based upon a preference of anindividual viewer.
 12. The machine-readable medium of claim 8, whereinthe annotation file further contains: information related to the atleast one desired portion of the multimedia presentation.
 13. Anapparatus comprising: a memory; a recorded program file stored withinthe memory, the recorded program file created from a multimediapresentation; an annotation file stored within the memory, theannotation file specifying at least one desired portion of themultimedia presentation; an annotation management software stored withinthe memory; a processor to execute the annotation management software,execution of the annotation management software causing the recordedprogram file and the annotation file to be accessed such that a displaydevice displays the at least one desired portion of the multimediapresentation.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least onedesired portion of a multimedia presentation is determined by applying apredetermined set of criteria to the multimedia presentation.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the predetermined set of criteria isbased upon a preference of an individual viewer.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the annotation file further contains: informationrelated to the at least one desired portion of the multimediapresentation.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the annotation filefurther contains: information related to a portion of the multimediapresentation other than the at least one desired portion of themultimedia presentation.
 18. A system comprising: an editor to create anannotation file, the annotation file containing at least one pointer,the at least one pointer corresponding to at least one desired portionof a multimedia presentation; a first transmission medium to transmitthe multimedia presentation to a multimedia viewing system; and a secondtransmission medium to transmit the annotation file to the multimediaviewing system such that the multimedia viewing system displays only theat least one desired portion of the multimedia presentation.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the at least one desired portion of amultimedia presentation is determined by applying a predetermined set ofcriteria to the multimedia presentation.
 20. The system of claim 18,wherein the annotation file further contains: information related to theat least one desired portion of the multimedia presentation.